Best Hostels in Sydney

Trying to decide on the Best Hostels in Sydney is no easy task. There are more than 85 backpacker hostels to choose from and what is best for one traveller will not always be best for you. As a Sydney local who has worked with backpacking travellers for almost 2 decades I have a pretty good idea of the landscape so I have put together a list of hostels that I would recommend for different types of travellers.

All the hostels I have listed do a pretty good job of providing a friendly, welcoming, clean and secure environment. So read on and find out which one is perfect for you.

I have included information on whether hostels allow long-term residents as I think that long-term guests can really change the dynamic of a hostel and make it less welcoming for new arrivals

A warning, none of these are super cheap, but my experience in hostels in Sydney is that a $25 room comes at a huge price; noisy, dirty and often full crowded. Most of the better hostels here change from $35-50 a night.

Hostels in the Sydney CBD (Centre of town)

YHA Sydney Harbour

Located in Sydney’s oldest area Sydney Harbour YHA is my favourite hostel in the city. You are just minutes from the waterfront and the modern facilities make it seem more like a budget hotel. The only hostel in the Rocks and the only hostel to offer a sun-deck overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, this 106 room hostel is perfect for couples or families exploring the city.

This hostel is quieter than many other Sydney hostels, with its excellent facilities and friendly staff the slightly higher prices will be worth it for most. When I say quieter I do not mean that is boring. The hostel puts on BBQs, guided walks of the area and pub tours and there are special dinners a couple of nights for under $10. Just a few minutes walk from the hostel are two great pubs, the Australian Hotel and The Glenmore Hotel.

Pros:

Lockers with power in shared rooms

Family rooms and twin rooms with ensuites

Quieter atmosphere than other hostels in Sydney

Daily hostel activity to help you get to meet other guests.

Rooftop terrace with harbour views

Large communal kitchen

Free Internet in public areas

Wheelchair accessible rooms

Cons

Stairs in the area might be too much for those with lots of luggage, prams or mobility issues

Terrace closed at night

Sundeck at Sydney Harbour YHA

Best for: Families, groups and quieter travellersTip: Try to get up early one day and watch the sun rise over the Harbour from the terrace.

Check interior photos and current prices on TripAdvisor
You need to book this hostel early to get the best prices.

YHA Central Sydney – Rawson Place

Sydney YHA Rawson Place

Perhaps the largest hostel in Sydney and flagship of the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) the Rawson Place hostel is a heritage listed building about 3 minutes’ walk from Central station. With its rooftop pool, on-site café and spacious public areas it offers excellent value for money for any traveller regardless of age. It is also located close to some of the cities most popular backpacker bars and the cheap dining options in Chinatown.

Pros:

Location – right next to Central Station and a short walk to cheap eats in China Town and Paddy’s Market

Lockers in rooms

Heated rooftop pool and sauna

Kitchen open till 10.30pm

Free luggage storage

Some rooms have balconies

Spotless – great recycling program

Cafe inside the hostel & small supermarket next door.

Some undercover parking available

No long-term guests

Cons:

Some say it lacks atmosphere and friendliness of a smaller hostel

Can be busy with school groups at certain times of the year

No TV in twin rooms

No power outlet in lockers

Rooms on lower floors may experience noise from the bar

Note: Minimum stay of 7 nights in all room types for all bookings between 28 December 2017 – 2 January 2018.Address: 11 Rawson Place, Corner of Pitt St and Rawson Place SydneyNearest Train Station: Central

Wake Up! Hostel Sydney

Wake Up Sydney Hostel at Central

This hostel sits virtually behind the YHA Central one reviewed above. Originally a department store Wake up is hard to miss sitting on the main intersection of George Street and Railway Square. This hostel is perfect for those of you who are in town to have a fun time with its on-site bar and a great range of activities that include trivia nights, beach walks and parties.

Pros:

Centrally located within 20 mins walk of the harbour

Clean rooms with lots of natural light

Café and bar/nightclub (Sidebar) onsite

Girls only floor

Bathrooms have hairdryers

Private rooms have TVs

Free beach and city tour

Cons:

Can be noisy

No free internet

Not available to under 18s

Small kitchen relative to the size of the hostel

Best for: Young travellers, a bit of a party atmosphere and a great place to meet other young travellersTip: Plan to cook early if you want to use the kitchen

Hostels in Sydney by the beach

Bondi Backpackers

With a prime position on Campbell Parade opposite the world famous Bondi Beach, Bondi Backpackers it for me the pick of Sydney’s eastern suburbs beaches. Along with an amazing location, the hostel has a fantastic rooftop area where they host free yoga, enjoy wine and cheese nights, join in the Friday BBQs or just relax on a deckchair.

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